Mattel’s Manananggal Doll: A Cultural Celebration or Controversy?

A new doll from Mattel’s Monster High series, inspired by the chilling Filipino folklore figure of the manananggal, has sparked both excitement and debate. Named Corazon Marikit, the doll reimagines a creature known for its macabre habit of preying on unborn children as a fashionable teenager, complete with bat-like wings and a unique mechanism that allows her body to split in half. While the release has been met with enthusiasm from fans and Filipino communities for its cultural representation, it also raises questions about the commercialisation of dark folklore and the balance between horror and heritage.

A Creature of Nightmares Reimagined

The manananggal, a name derived from the Filipino word for “something that detaches,” is a staple of Philippine mythology. Traditionally depicted as a beautiful woman by day, she transforms at night, sprouting wings and separating her upper body to hunt. Her prey, often pregnant women, fall victim to her long, spindly tongue, which she uses to drain the blood of unborn children—a gruesome act tied to themes of vanity and the pursuit of eternal youth in cautionary tales passed down through generations.

Mattel’s version, however, softens this sinister edge. Corazon Marikit is dressed in traditional Filipino attire, with a baro (blouse) and a long skirt featuring red fringes that mimic dripping blood. Accessories like a fan, a spider-web bag, and bakya (wooden clogs) nod to cultural authenticity, while her ability to split at the waist offers a playful, if eerie, gimmick for collectors. Marketed as a “fashion maven” who “brings Filipino fashion and folklore to life,” the doll targets girls aged seven to 14, a demographic that may not fully grasp the darker undertones of her inspiration.

A Milestone for Representation

For many Filipinos, Corazon Marikit represents a rare moment of visibility in global pop culture. On Mattel’s Instagram, fans have expressed overwhelming joy, with one Filipino commenter noting, “I’m crying. I’ve never seen representation like this before… I hope many Filipino kids feel represented and loved by this.” Another user praised the doll as a “beautiful mixture of fright and glamour,” capturing the blend of horror and allure that defines the Monster High brand.

This is not the first time Mattel has drawn from Asian folklore for its Monster High line. Previous characters include Jinafire Long, a Chinese-inspired fire dragon from 2012, and Kiyomi Haunterly, a Japanese ghost introduced in 2014. Yet, Corazon Marikit stands out for her specific ties to Filipino culture, a region often underrepresented in mainstream toy markets. Her design incorporates elements of national identity, from clothing to accessories, offering a tangible connection for Filipino children and collectors abroad.

Navigating Cultural Sensitivity

While the doll has been celebrated for its inclusivity, it also treads a delicate line. The manananggal’s story is not merely a spooky tale but a deeply ingrained cultural narrative, often used to warn against vanity or moral corruption. Transforming such a figure into a marketable toy risks trivialising its significance, particularly when the target audience may lack the context to understand its origins. The doll’s playful depiction, complete with a blood-dripping skirt, could be seen by some as glossing over the visceral horror that defines the myth.

Moreover, the manananggal’s association with violence against pregnant women—a detail omitted from Mattel’s marketing—may strike some as inappropriate for a children’s toy. While the company has clearly aimed to focus on the creature’s aesthetic and supernatural traits, the darker elements of the folklore linger in the background, potentially sparking unease among parents or cultural purists who view the commercialisation as disrespectful.

A Broader Trend in Toy Design

Mattel’s decision to draw from global mythologies reflects a growing trend in the toy industry to embrace diversity and cultural storytelling. By incorporating figures like the manananggal, the company taps into a broader movement to represent underrepresented cultures in mainstream products. This approach not only broadens market appeal but also fosters a sense of inclusion for children who rarely see their heritage reflected in toys.

Yet, this strategy is not without challenges. Balancing authenticity with commercial appeal requires careful consideration of cultural nuances, especially when dealing with folklore tied to sensitive themes. Mattel’s Monster High line, known for its gothic charm, often walks this tightrope, reimagining monsters from various traditions in a way that prioritises style over substance. Whether this approach fully honours the cultural weight of figures like the manananggal remains a point of contention.

A Step Forward or a Misstep?

Corazon Marikit’s release marks a significant moment for Filipino representation in global pop culture, offering a bridge between ancient folklore and modern play. For many, the doll is a source of pride, a chance to see a piece of their culture celebrated on an international stage. However, the transformation of a terrifying myth into a child-friendly toy raises valid concerns about the dilution of cultural narratives and the ethics of commodifying horror.

As Mattel continues to explore diverse mythologies, the reception to Corazon Marikit may serve as a litmus test for future releases. Striking the right balance between honouring cultural heritage and creating marketable products is no easy feat, but it is a necessary one in an increasingly interconnected world. For now, the manananggal doll stands as both a celebration and a conversation starter—a reminder of the power and complexity of folklore in shaping identity.